Obituary of Elva Powell

View Video Tribute Longtime Burlington, Colorado resident Elva Powell died at the Grace Manor Care Center in Burlington Monday May 25, 2009 at the age of 97. She was born Elva Sarah Richards on October 3, 1911 to John A. and Mayme Ann (Anderson) Richards, on the family homestead, twenty-one miles northwest of Burlington in Yuma County. On July 11, 1936, Elva was united in marriage to Hubert L. Powell in Washington State. To this union two daughters were born, Sara Lee and Betty Lou. At 19, Elva graduated from Colby High School. In those days, upon graduation, all you had to do was take a test and become a teacher. She began her career in a country school in Kansas, and later taught in Kirk, Vona and north of Bethune. While earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, she taught school in Springer, New Mexico. Her career there spanned 28 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Burlington where she enjoyed teaching her Sunday School class and helping with other church activities. She enjoyed her volunteer work at the Welcome Center in Burlington and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. Elva especially loved the time spent with her daughters, grandchildren and family. Preceding Elva in death were her parents, her husband, her son-in-law Ray Rhoades and three brothers David, Harry, and Robert Richards. Those family members left to cherish her memory are her daughters Sara Lee Rhoades and Betty Statler and husband Dave of Burlington. Sister Burdine Homm of Burlington, Brother-in-law Glen Powell and his wife Betty of Shoshoni, WY, Sisters-in-law Vivian Richards of Vona, CO and Myrtle Mae Powell of Maryville, TN. She is survived and will be missed by eight loving grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Gary Rhoades, wife Kendra and their children Karah Rhoades, fiancé Joseph Reygers, Kolby Melia, and husband Daniel; Judy Feldhousen, husband Larry and their children LaRae Dobler, and husband Darren, and Logan Feldhousen; Bobby Rhoades, wife Shari and their sons Brok, and Brant. Jay Rhoades, wife Angela and their children Harley and Haedyn. Fayrene Fortmeyer, husband John and their sons Jordan and Jason; Earl Statler, Diane Gramm and husband Ron, Jo Ellen Smith, husband Mike and their daughters Randi, her fiancé Dan Dzuba and Katie as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 27, at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Burlington, Reverend Gary Bazer officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Burlington. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. A memorial fund is being established in Elva’s memory, and may be left at or sent to the Bank of Burlington.